Swan Ben Davies gave up a rugby dream

BEN DAVIES has revealed he could have followed in the footsteps of James Hook by earning a living in rugby union rather than the Premier League.

Ben Davies says he grew up dreaming of scoring tries at the Millennium Stadium []

The Swansea left-back was a budding fly-half for school side Ystalyfera in the heart of the Ospreys region where Lions and Wales No 10 Hook once starred.

And Wales defender Davies, 19, says he grew up dreaming of scoring tries at the Millennium Stadium rather than shining at big football grounds like the Emirates in the 2-0 win over Arsenal last Saturday.

Davies said: “My old school was a proper rugby school and all through my days there I enjoyed playing rugby as much as I did football. I had to decide when I was about 16 what I really wanted to do.

“But had the football not worked out, I’d have given rugby a decent go. We had quite a good school side and got to the Welsh Cup final.

“I always used to watch the international games. I went to the Millennium Stadium regularly. My dad’s a big rugby fan but it was always rugby when I was growing up. He reckons rugby’s changed so it’s all football for him now.”

I always used to watch the international games. I went to the Millennium Stadium regularly

Ben Davies

Davies will make his 17th appearance of the season for Swansea against Norwich today and continue his sharp rise after capitalising on Neil Taylor’s injury. Now the starlet aims to keep repaying Danish manager Michael Laudrup after being rewarded with a new three-and-a-half year deal for his impressive performances.

A boyhood Swansea fan, Davies added: “My aim was always to play for the first team whether that was in League Two or the Premier League.

“It was a great achievement to be offered a new contract so soon and I can only thank the club for putting their faith in me. Hopefully I can repay them.”

Norwich boss Chris Hughton says he is a big admirer of Swansea as his improved side face what could be a defining test of their ability to deal with sides who pass the ball so well.

Hughton said: “I have been very impressed with Swansea and the run they have produced. The results have been impressive but so has the way they’ve played.

“Their style is very attractive, and there have been no fluke results. They have been as exciting as anybody in the division.

“It’s not about one player but a team and the quality they have. But we are pleased too with our recent performances. Everybody wants to play, and right now I haven’t anybody who wants a rest.’’